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⺊ — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
⺊The character ⺊, also known as 'zhǐ', is an uncommon component in Chinese characters. It typically serves as a radical or part of other characters, particularly those related to writing or documentation. Its usage is not prevalent on its own, making it more of a building block in more complex characters.2 strokes, radical ⺊
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March 24, 2026

⺊

The character ⺊, also known as 'zhǐ', is an uncommon component in Chinese characters. It typically serves as a radical or part of other characters, particularly those related to writing or documentation. Its usage is not prevalent on its own, making it more of a building block in more complex characters.

Strokes2Radical⺊
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, writing has always held great significance, often associated with education and respect for knowledge. The character ⺊ reflects this emphasis on the written word.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny, delicate brush (the character ⺊) used for writing important documents. The shape resembles a brushstroke, emphasizing its connection to writing and notes.

About ⺊

⺊Simplified
2Strokes
⺊Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: ⺊

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Podcast: ⺊

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AI Study Notes for ⺊

Usage Notes

Since ⺊ is primarily a radical, it is often used in compound characters. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with other similar radicals, like '毛' (máo), which also pertains to writing but has different meanings. Understanding its role in larger characters is vital.

HSK Study Tips

Although this character does not appear in HSK lists, recognizing it as a radical can help students decipher related characters. Focus on characters that utilize ⺊ to build vocabulary and grasp its contextual meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly treat ⺊ as a standalone word, which it is not. For example, saying '我喜欢⺊' (I like ⺊) is incorrect; instead, focus on characters that include this radical.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of ⺊

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Etymology of ⺊

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A crack on an oracle bone; compare 卜

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: ⺊

  1. 1The giveawayA crack on an oracle bone; compare 卜
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of ⺊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is ⺊?

Decomposition of ⺊

IDS Structure⿰丨?
⺊Full Character
=
丨gun3
left
Exercise 1 of 1

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of ⺊?

How to say ⺊ in Chinese

This in Chinese is⺊

The character ⺊, also known as 'zhǐ', is an uncommon component in Chinese characters. It typically serves as a radical or part of other characters, particularly those related to writing or documentation. Its usage is not prevalent on its own, making it more of a building block in more complex characters.

When to use ⺊

Since ⺊ is primarily a radical, it is often used in compound characters. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with other similar radicals, like '毛' (máo), which also pertains to writing but has different meanings. Understanding its role in larger characters is vital.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly treat ⺊ as a standalone word, which it is not. For example, saying '我喜欢⺊' (I like ⺊) is incorrect; instead, focus on characters that include this radical.

Write ⺊

⺊

Practice writing ⺊ stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about ⺊

It is not used independently but serves as a component in other characters.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after ⺊?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.